Gaza crisis has to stop

The rising death toll in Gaza is alarming and is likely to worsen with escalating violence from both sides, says Labour’s Foreign Affairs spokesperson David Shearer.

“Only a truce and agreed negotiations will prevent the unnecessary deaths of more innocent people.

“In the past, the Egyptian government was able to play a part in bringing the Palestinian and Israeli sides together. Let us hope they will do so again.

“As of today, 80 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed.

“Tragically, many of those casualties were children.

“Hamas and associated groups have launched more than 160 rockets, including missiles that have struck into the heart of Israel with a far greater range than ever before. As yet, there have been no reports of Israeli casualties.

“Sadly it is extremists who are once again setting the agenda.

“Rockets and bullets are not the answer, a constructive dialogue is the only way that the violence in Gaza will end,” says David Shearer.